Columbia Remembers: A Soldier’s Journey Home After 79 Years
Columbia, SC – The story of Arthur W. Crossland Jr., a 19-year-old Army soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, has taken a poignant turn as his family prepares to lay him to rest nearly eight decades after he was killed in action. This emotional moment comes as a result of groundbreaking advancements in DNA technology which have finally brought closure to a long-standing chapter in American history.
Back in March of 1945, while the world was engulfed in the chaos of the war, Crossland found himself stationed in a heavily wooded area near Althorn, France. It was during a fierce encounter with German forces that fate dealt a tragic blow – a mine exploded, taking his life instantly. His comrades faced an agonizing decision as they were forced to retreat under heavy enemy fire, leaving behind the body of their brave friend.
For decades, Arthur’s family lived with the uncertainty of his fate, grappling with both heartache and hope. In the years following the end of the war, efforts to recover Crossland’s remains were launched, but the journey to discovering his final resting place has been long and winding.
The Identification Process
After years of painstaking search, there was finally a breakthrough. In July 2022, teams from the Department of Defense undertook a significant project at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, where over 9,000 U.S. servicemen are interred. Among these graves, they identified one known only as X-535, whose remains were exhumed for advanced analysis.
Using a combination of anthropological evidence and DNA testing, scientists eventually determined that X-535 was, in fact, Arthur Crossland. This landmark identification was officially made on August 21, 2024, confirming what many had hoped for all along: that Arthur was finally accounted for.
A Hero’s Homecoming
Now, after 79 years, Crossland’s family can finally bring him home. The long wait is nearly over, as his remains are scheduled to be interred in Columbia on March 14, 2025. It’s a bittersweet moment filled with mixed emotions of relief and sorrow as they prepare to honor their beloved soldier with a heartfelt burial ceremony.
Adding to the significance of this occasion, before his remains were identified, Arthur had been memorialized at the Walls of the Missing at the Epinal American Cemetery in Dinozé, France. There, a rose will be placed next to his name, a symbol of love and remembrance for a life that was cut short but never forgotten.
A National Tragedy
Crossland’s story is more than just a family legacy; it’s a reminder of the staggering costs of war. During World War II, over 400,000 U.S. soldiers lost their lives, and tragically, more than 72,000 of them are still unaccounted for. Each name and story represents a family’s heartache and a nation’s sacrifice.
As we reflect on the sacrifices made during the war, the story of Arthur W. Crossland Jr. is a testament to enduring love and the tireless search for closure. Columbia will forever remember its hometown hero, proving that heroes may leave this world, but their legacies live on in the hearts of those they’ve touched.
As the community readies itself to welcome Arthur home, it’s a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the importance of never forgetting those who served. In a time when the impacts of war are often far away, it’s a deep and personal connection we share through stories like Arthur’s.
